A group of local youths in Rabaul town in East New Britain (ENB) province proudly graduated on 7th March from a two-month sewing and cooking course at the St Joseph Training centre in Iawakaka along the North Coast Road. These youths who graduated are the first batch for the year 2024 which comprised mainly of victims from the fights in Rabaul town last year and those who lost their homes. The youths were sponsored by the Rabaul Urban Local Level Government (RULLG) through the Community Development sector under the Youth Development funding. From the total 52 participants who graduated under the cooking and sewing courses, 31 youths were from the wards of RULLG in Rabaul Town, who expressed their gratitude for the vital life skills training. When giving the key note address, Deputy District Administrator (Operations) Petrus Maninga stressed on the importance of acquiring life skills such as sewing and cooking and said that such trainings will add value in their lives. “You are the people we want to empower; utilize the knowledge and skills you have gained and keep yourselves busy and avoid engaging in unlawful activities.” Maurus Farau a town youth thanked the RULLG, District Administration and St Joseph Training Centre for taking up the courses. “I am grateful for the training; now my fellow youths and I are able to sew apron, men’s shirt, ladies shirt, meri- blouse, ladies skirt and more.” “We used to buy expensive shirts and other clothing, but now our hands are blessed and we can sew our own, even cook new recipes.” He added that such government funded programs help to minimize crimes in the communities, gives second chances and allows youths to see things differently. Meanwhile Rabaul Town Manager commended the participants for their determination in successfully completing the training and announced that the RULLG will donate a baking oven and sewing machines to the training centre to assist them. The next batch of cooking and sewing classes will commence on March 25th, 2024.